Friday 26 February 2010

Bonnie And Clyde - 1967, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway

Now i'm sure most people, especially movie lovers, have seen this movie. But for some reason, i've never gotten round to watching it. Until today. I'd been planning to watch it for a long time and luckily my girlfriend had a copy, so i snapped it up and finally watched it tonight. Where do i begin? I always try to watch a movie from an unbiased perspective, not taking into account what i've been told or what i might of read about it. But for some reason, as i pressed play, my expectations were undoubtedly high. The synopsis on the DVD cover didn't help matters, tauting the film as "no ordinary gangster movie". I was rubbing my hands together in anticipation, as Bonnie and Clyde executed their first job, five minutes after meeting. Believable? Maybe it's not supposed to be, but in the context that it takes place, we sympathise for these two characters caught in the grip of the great depression. They're so cool i can't help liking them from the very beginning. It's adorable how they drink coke and he teaches her to shoot at a tyre. I digress.

The story held no surprises, but the action was frequent enough to keep me entertained. Faye Dunaway is stunning and Warren Beatty is charming. Both are in their prime, using all of their acting prowess to build this complex relationship up on the screen. We naturally favour them, despite them being the bad guys. This is down to their kindly disposition to "normal folks", such as shooting the bank sign and clarifying whether money belongs to the bank or the customer. They're good people it seems. But the media blows all of their movements out of proportions, making them appear worse than they really are. But hold on a minute. The gang have killed many police officers, and robbed more banks and stores than you can count on your hands. It says alot about Arthur Penn that we watch these two animals commit so much crime, and yet we still care about what happens to them. Let's not forget the other characters either, Moss and Buck are both so dumb you have to love them. Blanche, annoying as she is, is just along for the ride, so we can forgive her piercing shrieks.

Not much can be said about the music in the film. It doesn't seem like much, but it matches the theme and the setting perfectly. The hillbilly soundtrack is used sparingly so that it doesn't become too annoying, and it's comical at times, watching them speed off in a stolen car to this distinctly southern music.

I felt truly sad when the two criminals came to the end of their road. Especially heartbreaking was seeing Moss' relief from the hardware store window as they drove away. He thought they were safe, and that they'd made it out alive. As soon as we see Moss' father acting shifty on the roadside, we know what's about to happen, but poor B&C don't have the foggiest. Their death is brutal, with no opportunity for redemption. Not completely deserved, i felt. As their murderers stand over the dead bodies, they almost look sad that their prey is no more. They seem to mourn the passing of old friends, and so it seems that the audience has a connection with the murderers, as we too, feel the loss of our two bandits. I was only happy that B&C found the right time to consummate their relationship before they "bought it", thanks to Bonnies wonderfully crafted poem, which seems to finally set Clyde at ease with his complex towards sex.

Overall, i'd give the movie 8/10. It was enjoyable, a good length, and full of action. The characters were all wonderful (i especially enjoyed Gene Wilders small part) and the script and direction have stood the test of time. Go and watch this movie if you havn't already!

Wednesday 24 February 2010

Great short movies.

Well, today i've watched a series of short films by a youtuber called F.C.Rabbath. So i thought i'd give them some publicity and talk about the shorts i watched.

Lost In Your Eyes

This short intrigued me. The concept and story are enough to keep the viewer interested, but the colour, cinematography and acting really hook you. There's a great twist at the end that was unexpected, to me at least. I felt like i was really able to connect with the protagonist, because i'd been in similar situations myself. The sense of going from reality to dream was conveyed particularly well, and never leaves the viewer wondering where they are. The actors all deserve credit. Especially the one who plays "death". I love how she gives an evil little smile when she's setting up, which kind of gives her away, except for the fact that nobody expects it. The music/composition was also top notch. Great job from production to screen.

Militant

As an avid fan of war movies, this short really got my attention. The colouring harked back to films like Saving Private Ryan and some episodes' of Band Of Brothers. I found the two actors playing the brothers to be a little weak in their characters, but not so much that i had to turn it off. They were just convincing enough. The music was excellent again. The composer is really something. Although this short was not as dependant on its story, i felt compelled to watch once the hunt was on. I really enjoyed the acting by the commander.

The last two films were over 5 minutes long. The next film was 23 minutes in length, so i watched it while i ate my dinner.

Listen

Now, this really is taking it up a notch. An excellent story, great script, music that is on par with or better than many Hollywood "blockbusters", memorable performances from all talents involved, and great cinematography. I loved it. If this guy isn't winning awards for this, i'll stick my finger down my throat in protest. Music is central to this short. It illustrates just how important music is in setting the tone and mood in, not just a movie, but our everyday lives. The actors are smooth and believable in showing this. It's interesting that it all starts because he couldn't get a girlfriend. So he's using the apparatus to woo her, but she liked him all along anyway. He didn't need the kit. It's very high concept. I can't think of anything like it. It was a pleasure to watch this all the way through to the end, as i enjoyed every second.

I recommend everyone to go and watch this guys movies. I'm sure one day we'll be seeing his name on the big screen, "FCRabbath".

It is BORN.

Today, we have seen the birth of something magnificent. It may not appear so immediately. In fact, it may not even appear so within the foreseeable future. But in time, it will become apparent.

This blog is exclusive. Only a select few will really know what goes on inside my head, but this blog gets alot of people alot closer to seeing my thoughts.

Want to see random thoughts of mine? Read film reviews? Hear what i think of certain albums or artists?

Check back here and all will be revealed. My name is Daniel Jama, and today i started this blog. I'm an aspiring screenwriter, with a focus on feature films. I do enjoy writing many different things though. I like to write poetry, short stories, reviews and more. Hopefully one day i will find people who share my vision and help me to create it.

Here is my top 10 list of movies:

Pulp Fiction
Elephant
Reservoir Dogs
Falling Down
Stand By Me
Memphis Belle
Wait Until Dark
Once Upon A Time In America
The Getaway (1972)
OldBoy

Thanks for reading!